BEES SIGN A TRIO

22 November 2012

David Bloomfield/John Antoniou

Barnet Secure Deals For Three New Players

Barnet FC have made three signings today and are happy to announce the loan deals for Andy Iro from Stevenage, George Barker from Brighton & Hove Albion and Melvin Holwijn who joins on non-contract terms.

The loan signings are for a two month period and the players are in contention to be involved in Saturday’s League 2 encounter at Cheltenham.

Liverpool-born Iro, a 27-year-old 6"5 centre-back, joins from Stevenage after he had signed for them in September after spells in the MLS with Columbus Crew and Toronto.

Joint Head Coach Mark Robson said: “Andy has played much of his career in the MLS and came over to Stevenage in the summer. I’d previously spoken to Stevenage manager Gary Smith in the summer about an opportunity to get Andy and we’re now delighted to have him in on loan to further strengthen our defensive line. He’s 6”5, has plenty of experience and we hope he’ll be an asset for us at both ends of the pitch.

Director of Football Paul Fairclough added, “Andy is a big strong centre half who made his name in the MLS and brings a wealth of experience and gives us further options especially when Krystian Pierce returns to his parent club.”

21-year-old striker George Barker has found opportunities limited at Brighton with the influx of foreign and experienced players. He is described as a sharp and bright forward.

The skillful striker is highly rated and has been in fine form this season, scoring 12 goals in all competitions for the development squad, including a hat-trick against Colchester United in a 6-2 win, as well as providing seven assists.

Mark Robson said of Barker, “George potentially has a lot to offer us. He’s a natural goal scorer that hasn’t been given an opportunity at Brighton due to the quality of their first team strikers, but we hope that by coming here to Barnet that he’ll gets the opportunity to show his qualities and to give us another option up front.”

Paul Fairclough said of the forward, “He is a fast, exciting young forward who is sure to make an impact at Underhill.”

32-year-old Melvin Holwijn is a striker who can also play out wide. He has played his football in Holland, Greece and Germany and is known for his speed. He joins on non-contract terms and the club are waiting on international clearance issues to be resolved.

Paul Fairclough has said of the Dutchman, “Melvin is an exciting and very quick, rapid forward.”